Following the completion of a Strategic Facility Improvement Plan, Manhattan City Commissioners have negotiated a contract with a local architect.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Eddie Eastes spoke about the hire of Bruce McMillan Architects P.A., of Manhattan during Tuesday night’s City Commission meeting.
The improvement plan process involved extensive input from the community through focus groups, public meetings and a statistically valid survey.
A 15-member steering committee and City Staff helped to guide the process and the plan was accepted by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in July and the City Commission in August.
Interviews for the right person to carry out the boards desires were held on December 1st and last night City Commissioners authorized City Administration to negotiate a scope of services with Bruce McMillan Architects for architectural design and park planning services.
Improvements to Miller Parkway and Scenic Drive are also on the way, following last night’s meeting.
Director of Public Works, Rob Ott presented commissioners with an outline of improvements for their consideration.
Ott gave background on issues surrounding the Miller Parkway area – including failure to secure funding for the area previously known as Independence Place, which has been abandoned by its owner.
Following the presentation, Commissioners found the petition sufficient and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it – approving a resolution finding the project advisable and authorizing construction.
The commission also authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with Manhattan’s Schwab-Eaton P.A., to carry out improvements not to exceed $97,000.00.
Commissioners also heard reports from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Fort Riley Promotion, and Tourism and Convention offices.
The City Commission approved and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute contracts with each department in 2016.
